There’s a bitter historic battle between the cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Over 2,000 years old, the city of Barcelona was the capital of Catalonia long before Madrid managed to spring into existence. Somehow, Barcelona ended up taking backseat to Madrid in the middle of the 1500’s, but has always rivaled its counterpart when it comes to economic status, political distinction, and beauty.

Timing Your Visit to Barcelona

The absolute best months to plan a trip to Barcelona are between October and June. The temperatures there are mild and you’ll find that late November through early April is actually comfortably cool. These are the best times to see what daily life in Barcelona is really like, take in the Festa de la Merce, or witness the winter Carnaval.

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Summer months in Barcelona tend to be hot and uncomfortable and, because of the sweltering heat, tons of restaurants and entertainment attractions will be closed. Anyone desperate to see the El Grec festival of music or the block party known as Gracia Festa Major in August may not mind, but if you’re not really into the heat and humidity then we suggest you choose another time to visit.

Traveling within Barcelona

There’s really no reason to rent a car upon your arrival in Barcelona. The best mode of transportation is either by the metro line or by bus. For either, you can purchase a Targeta-10 pass. The commuter trains have stops that will put you within walking distance of any attraction in the city.

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You’ll find major taxi stands in both the Rambla on Placa Catalyuna and in Placa Sant Juame. We don’t recommend picking up a taxi at any other location. These are the safest and most reputable.

Exploring Barcelona’s Incredible Sights

While there are dozens of incredible things to see and do in Barcelona, there are several you shouldn’t fly out of town without seeing. Make sure you include a few of these sights on your itinerary.

Picasso may have only spent 9 years of his life in Barcelona, but they were some of the most important in his career as an artist. The Museu Picasso houses a collection of over 3,600 pieces of work created by the famous artist but don’t enter expecting to see many of the famous works you’re familiar with. You’ll find early childhood sketches, caricatures, oil paintings, and much more.

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Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most breathtaking churches in all of Barcelona. Built between 1329 and 1383, the church’s architecture represents a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The idea for the church was originally conceived by Juame I in the late 1200’s because he wanted a church that could watch over all of the Catalan seafarers.

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Head on over to the Temple Expaitori de la Sagrada Familia to catch a glimpse of yet another amazing architectural feat. Different aspects of construction were designed to depict the history and life of Christ and each column tells a unique story. The construction of this biblical landmark began in the late 19^th century and has yet to be completed. Check it out from the outside first. Rumor has it that the scaffolding makes the up close tour, which you’ll pay for, less than entertaining.

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Art lovers will appreciate spending an afternoon in the eclectic Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The building was originally constructed in 1929 to serve as a focal point for the upcoming World’s Fair. It was renovated by Gae Aulenti in 1995 and now houses an incredible collection of Cambo, Romanesque, and Gothic art along with a series of works by Moderniste and Catalan impressionists and painters. The collection here is simply astounding.

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Ready to grab a quick bite to eat? Make sure you stop by Boqueria for an opportunity to experience life in the finest food market in Barcelona. You’ll find a myriad of bars, restaurants, and food stalls selling a myriad of delicacies and ingredients. Look towards the back of the market for a stunning display of mushrooms, herbs, and berries.

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Barcelona’s opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, has a reputation for being one of the finest in all of Europe. The building itself has been the subject of several disasters, having been burnt down, bombed, and burnt down again. You don’t have to be a fan of the opera to visit this incredible building. Tours run through regularly.

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Barcelona itself is one of the most beautiful and astounding sights in all of Spain. Be prepared for a trip packed full of history, tradition, mystery, and surprises. The entire experience promises to be nothing short of breathtaking!